| Overall Grade: |
B |
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| Story: |
B |
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| Acting: |
B+ |
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| Direction: |
A- |
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| Visuals: |
B |
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What is Christianity all about again?!
by dwchien (movies profile)
May 14, 2009
50
of
65 people found this review helpful
If you’re looking for more shocking blasphemous tall-tales about Jesus Christ, you may be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a good debate on science versus religion, “Angels & Demons” makes the grade.
Supposedly written prior to “The DaVinci Code”, “Angels & Demons” opens with the death of the Vatican Pope. Since in reality, the Christian World just went through the process of selecting a new Pope, the backdrop for “Agnes & Demons” feels authentic and relevant.
Parallel with the religious aspect of the plot is a group of scientists on the verge of creating antimatter. Now unless you’re knee-deep in physic-knowledgy and that black plastic glasses you wear with the white scotch tape still rocks for you, this stuff means absolutely nothing until this very moment. But what a moment – and they created antimatter!
I am fascinated when Hollywood “expands” on history and science, then develops its own theories. I guess that’s what Hollywood should be about. Tom Hanks returns again as Symbologist Robert Langdon. The Cardinal College meets in “Conclave” as they vote for a new Pope. We all remember seeing this on television where St. Peter’s Square showcases the color of the smoke coming out of the chimney should a vote be tabulated. And gray smoke denotes another vote is necessary, while white smoke means they’ve selected the new Pope.
Wouldn’t you know it? Antimatter is stolen. Four favorites likely to be the next Pope are kidnapped. A video was shown by their captive indicating that each will be killed in a hour leading up to Midnight where the stolen antimatter will become the source to wipe out Rome. The Vatican requests the service of Langdon because it fears that a 400-year-old arch enemy of the Vatican Church called the Illuminati may be culprit behind the kidnapping. I’m not familiar with this rivalry, but obviously pitting science against religion, whatever the outcome maybe, it is simply fascinating. I suspended all norms of movie-going qualifications just trying to take in all the facts. Langdon theorizes that there must be a path connecting the killings to where the kidnappers hide the antimatter. So a race against time begins to save Rome, and the entire Vatican Church for that matter.
Ron Howard knows how to create intelligent, “pop” films. I’m always surprised by his choice of project, but never bored. He doesn’t auteur a film with particular directing styles; he simply let’s the plot envelop with likeable characters. I’ve been a fan since “Cotton Candy”, a made-for-television highschool romance about a small time rock band. And through the years have marveled at “Night Shift”, “Splash”, “Backdraft”, “Apollo 13” and even the recent “The DaVinci Code”. “Angels & Demons”, however, needs the suspension of your standard filmic qualifiers in order for you to enjoy it.
The film plays like a thriller because it is very violent, and there is a ‘who-done-it” element to be resolved. Italian actress Ayelet Zurer plays the physicist searching for her stolen antimatter along side Langdon. Both are effective and convincing as the scientist versus the church. I especially applaud the fact that Langdon did not have a romantic development with this beautiful scientists (isn’t that the favorite of all male fantasies) because that would have completely ruined the credibility of all the facts. Ewan McGregor is the Camerlengo (Cardinal in charge of the government of the Church during new Pope selection process) and is a pretty damn good one too.
The production looks real, the cause feels plausible, and Hanks, come on, when’s the last time the man did a bad movie (aside from his work with Nora Ephron; wait, don’t get me started with Ephron – why does this person get any work to begin with?!)?
I am disappointed only with Hans Zimmer, whose score for “The DaVinci Code” reached new heights as it was so rich in texture it had you humming as you exit the theater. The score is bland here. Volume does not cover up quality. There were moments of discovery in the film where the volume is simply louder, but the music lacked life and its own identity. For those of you not familiar with the score to “The Da Vinci Code”, look for the track titled “Chevaliers de Sangreal” then tell me that that didn’t make you just tear-up.
Now before you start thinking “Angels & Demon” is one of the best films of the year, it isn’t. It is greatly flawed in its character developments and there is a “wait, it isn’t done yet” ending which I really hate. But I admired the facts in the film. It played like a fun, documentary for me. Bottom line is, it’s worth your ten bucks. I’m just not sure if I’d buy the Blue-Ray. |
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